blackened, and their tails properly banged. I do not intend here to
enter a discussion concerning the cruelty of docking horses' tails. The
social law is without exception. Horses with long tails are impossible.
I believe banging is not accompanied by any physical pain.

The harness, the trap itself, the coachman, and groom or grooms should
be as immaculate as the horses. There should not be a single item out of
gear. Every detail must be perfect. Choose some individual color for
your traps, and never change the colors of your stable any more than you
would your liveries. I have discussed fully in the chapter on Servants
the duties of coachmen and grooms, and I refer the reader to that
section of this book for information concerning liveries and the human
_personnel_ of your trap.

As to the color of your horses you should consult the fashion of the
moment. To-day grays and bays are matched, and a person in half mourning
recently appeared on a leading thoroughfare with a black trap and
harness and white horses.

A bachelor, however, should court simplicity, and I do not even approve
of an equipage with two men on the box for an unmarried man. In fact I
do not know of a single bachelor who has such a turnout.

A coach, a tandem, a drag, or any of the array of fashionable carts, or
a private hansom should limit the list.

Coolness and absolute confidence are the requisite virtues of good
driving.

The driver salutes always with the whip; those on the coach with him or
in the trap bow.

Dress for driving in the city is usually that of afternoon, and a high
hat is indispensable. Sometimes the huge gray coats with large buttons
and a gray topper are worn. Dogskin driving gloves and driving boots
complete the costume. In the country one wears tweed or Scotch cheviot
and a Derby hat. The man who drives mounts last, his horses' heads being
held by the groom. His whip should be in its socket; the reins loosely
thrown over the horses' backs. He should spring into his seat and start
immediately.

There is a certain smartness in driving, in the way you manage your
whip, your horses, and the many other details, which it is the province
of a good master of the sport to teach you.

The fashionable hour for driving in New York is from three to five, and
the drive the Park. At Newport one drives both in the morning and
evening.

Remember, however, that the secret of your mastery over your stables
should be your perfect know